It is more popular than ever…open shelving in the kitchen. Admired by some homeowners and somewhat controversial by others, open shelving is taking over the kitchen. Personally, I feel in the right home and kitchen, it can make the space feel new and fresh.

For those that want to highlight some of their dinnerware, glassware or collectibles, this is a great avenue.

I do like a combination of your typical upper cabinets and some shelving. Those items that need to be hidden can be, and those items used on a daily basis or decorative can be seen and easily accessed.

Using a contrasting color or material for the shelves will create a more eclectic look in the space. Utilizing an industrial or traditional style shelf in a contemporary setting, for example, is a concept that works. It adds variety and interest and can bring a more relaxed and casual concept to the kitchen.

In a small kitchen or pantry, shelves can actually open up the room and make the space appear larger and more spacious.

This kitchen is so inviting to me.! I love the use of stainless steel shelving next to the range instead of having upper cabinets. The shelves help open up this space that would otherwise feel heavy and weighted with closed cabinetry.

Many of us are in need of our home office to be stylish and inviting yet practical.I feel it can easily be achieved. First and foremost, you need to get organized and then that space or room can become one of your favorite areas of the home.

Gone are the days of oversized desks that are heavy and bulky and take up the whole room! Consider a writing desk for your space. You can access your current daily paperwork and files by utilizing a credenza or built-in cabinetry that is in close proximity.

A rolling file cabinet can be a great space saver. It can occupy the space under your desk for easy access, or it can be rolled into a closet and accessed when needed.

All paperwork, pictures, documents and such should find a place in either a box, drawer, file, or notebook. Have your paperwork and information that is currently relevant and used weekly in a different home from those items rarely accessed. Put daily used items within arms reach. Paperwork and documents that you have not touched in months need to be stored and out of sight.

Not sure you have a messy work area? Take a few photos of your desk in its current state. Take a few pictures at different angles and view them…you may be surprised when you have a different perspective. Home offices with style start with a good, organized work surface and storage system.

Adding decorative elements to any space gives the room its personality. Consider using your favorite photos, live plants, and decorative items in your space. Add a decorative mirror or your favorite artwork to make your space feel less like an office and more like any room in your home.

Labeling or color coding is an easy solution for your filing and storage system. For instance, if you need to account for things by years, then everything in “blue” denotes that particular year. Everything in “green” denotes the following year!

If space is a factor, consider turning a closet into your home office. Easily achieved and quite stunning, these offices can be charming. Another table in the room can double as an additional work surface.

Some of the easiest and most efficient home offices include inexpensive walls shelves and brackets mounted on the wall to hold boxes, books, printers and other items.

You can find ways to hide the printers and other bulky items. These drawers are great space savers and put items out of your sight when not used.

No matter what your home office needs happen to be, there is a design and storage solution for you.

This clever solution to a stylish home office includes adding a drapery on a ceiling mounted rod to hide the clutter at any given moment!

While the perception of color is definitely subjective, the use of color and how and where you choose to utilize it, will indeed impact your home.

Red… I love red! I wish I had more red in my life. I am out with the black and in with the red….it is a color that evokes emotion and I love it! It represents energy and passion. It is bold and daring with says power and screams assertiveness.

In a home, it is probably not the most widely used color. For some people too much red can induce aggression and anger… so a word of caution, use it wisely. Small amounts of this color can go a long way. But large amounts…wow!

Since I have been on the hunt to find a way to add some red into my home or my life, it occurred to me that red it is used frequently in the fast food industry. Wondering why? Well, red stimulates the appetite and increases cravings for food.

Of course in the financial arena, being in the “red” is not the direction you want to be. And the old saying ” not worth a red cent” means it has no value.

But for the Chinese, red is associated with good fortune and luck. In Feng Shui, the ancient art of arranging your environment so that good energy flows through your home or business, it is recommended to paint your front door red for it invites prosperity to the residents.

So consider a small amount of red if so desired. A red throw, a vase of flowers, or even one pillow can give your room another layer of color.

And if you have some cash put aside and want to add some red into your wardrobe, consider the ever-so-famous red bottom high-heeled shoes by Christian Louboutin. Selling 700,000 pairs a year, he has made red his trademark color. Writer Danielle Steel is reputed to own 6000 pairs! That’s some serious moolah!

For me, maybe I will just paint the town red. Or buy an awesome red dress! Or sit and lounge around and contemplate the color red…

And if nothing else, I am going to have that slice of red velvet cake….YOLO! ( you only live once) !

I love a good, ingenious idea that can make my life easier. There are a few new gadgets on the market lately that may make your home and your life more simple and secure.

Everything is so technology driven today. I remember the days when you left a key under the mat for someone; hopefully no one saw you put it there. But who needs that anymore when you have the Kwikset Kevo. This is a Bluetooth enabled deadbolt which allows you to get into your door lock without a key. If someone needs access to your home, then send an electronic key to them at anytime… and yes, anywhere. No need for extra keys hidden in those fake rocks!. The Kwikset Kevo also lets you know who is inside or outside your house at any given moment. Great price of approximately $ 219.

Lighting always play a major role in any home. Would you rather wake up to lights instead of an annoying alarm? Want to set your lights to go on and off at certain times? ThenPhillips Hue has solved that issue for you with their Intelligent Lighting Automation System.

It is now easy to monitor your front or back door, keep an eye on the kids or pets in the backyard, and see the surrounding areas of your car or home.

Did you forget to turn down the thermostat? How about a thermostat that learns your schedule and programs itself to meet your needs. Well, wait no longer because the Nest Thermostat will do all of this for you from just the touch of your phone. What a great invention for approximately $ 249.

Outlets in your home that can handle a USB cord are perfect for any room. You can also purchase outlets at your local hardware store that are recessed into the wall. This allows the furniture to be pushed completely against the wall without the bulky cord getting in the way.

And who doesn’t want a keyboard, literally at their fingertips, at a moment’s notice? No pun intended! I can think of dozens and dozens of occasions when this would have come in handy. These laser projection keyboards are available at most office supply stores. Totally ingenious!

Whether you are a person that love lots of color, wears a lot of color, or simply embraces the use of color, than consider color in the kitchen as a place to display that love.

It is very popular of late to have painted cabinets in the kitchen. Even more popular is to paint the upper cabinets a different color than the lower ones. Also painting a kitchen island another color is very prevalent. Doing this breaks up the ” one color ” kitchen and gives the room a little more character.

Colored tile in the backslash is another method of introducing color. It can be removed and replaced, of course, but once again it is a commitment.

If you are dedicated to having color in your kitchen, there is nothing more amazing than an oven, range or stove top in a color. The ovens from BlueStar Appliances have 190 colors from which to choose. What a great statement, but pick wisely…you will probably have that appliance for a while!